St. Louis Co. crime down in first 6 months

County police on Wednesday announced that the overall crime rate is down 12.5 percent for the first six months of 2012, compared with the same period in 2011. Violent crime is down 7.2 percent.

The county had 12 homicides in the first half of 2011, compared to two through June of this year. Forcible rapes are down 25 percent, arson 22.2 percent, burglary 28.1 percent, robbery 11.5 percent and aggravated assault 1.1 percent.

St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley credits proactive programs and partnerships for the decrease in crime.